Position Summary:
The Associate Professor of Nursing is responsible for teaching courses in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), and Nursing programs. This role requires a commitment to excellence in teaching, student engagement, and service to the university community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver high-quality instruction aligned with course objectives and program outcomes.
- Assist in developing admission, progression, and graduation standards for nursing and allied health programs.
- Prepare, administer, and evaluate examinations and course assessments.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of student evaluations and academic progress.
- Support student recruitment and retention initiatives within the Elders School.
- Provide academic advising and counseling to students.
Qualifications:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required; terminal degree in a relevant field preferred.
- Current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas.
- Demonstrated experience in clinical nursing practice and collegiate nursing education.
- Minimum of two years of recent experience in nursing as required by the Arkansas Administrative Code 17 CAR 125-205.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Documented academic achievement in the nursing discipline.
- Broad experience across multiple nursing specialties.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to foster a student-centered learning environment.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Innovative, energetic, and committed to academic excellence.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
- Experience in lesson planning, instructional design, and student assessment.
- Effective communication of learning expectations through structured activities.
- Skilled in engaging students and evaluating learning outcomes.
- Self-motivated team player with cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with university resources.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse student, faculty, and staff population.
Reporting Responsibilities:
- Reports To: Dean, Elder School
- Supervises: N/A
- Collaborates with: Faculty, Staff, and Students
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods during simulation sessions. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds for equipment setup and maintenance.
Work Environment: Primarily based in a clinical simulation laboratory with potential classroom settings. • Highly interactive role requiring collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. • Frequent use of simulation equipment, computers, and audiovisual systems. • Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed for course schedules and simulation sessions. • Dynamic work environment requiring equipment adjustments, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving.
- Lifting: Ability to lift and transport simulation equipment, including manikins and medical supplies, weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Mobility: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching to set up and operate simulation equipment, assist students, and conduct demonstrations.
- Manual Dexterity: Requires fine motor skills to operate simulation technology, troubleshoot issues, and assemble/disassemble components.
- Vision Requirements: Clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus for reading screens, monitoring simulations, and evaluating student performance.
Benefits:
- Dental Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible Spending Account
Travel: Occasional travel is required for professional development, conferences, training, and external collaborations.
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Skills Required
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in Arkansas
- Minimum of two years of recent nursing experience (per Arkansas Administrative Code 17 CAR 125-205)
- Demonstrated experience in clinical nursing practice and collegiate nursing education
- Experience in lesson planning, instructional design, and student assessment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform simulation setup (manual dexterity)
- Familiarity with simulation equipment, manikins, and audiovisual systems
- Terminal degree in a relevant field (PhD, DNP)
- Documented academic achievement in the nursing discipline
- Broad experience across multiple nursing specialties
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences
- Demonstrated ability to foster a student-centered learning environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
What We Do
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a small, privately supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its mission is to graduate academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, who are determined to change the world for the better.
